The Grower's Daughter

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I can feel it in the shortening of the summer nights and the cool, dewy mornings while the house is still quiet. I can feel myself being drawn to all things that bring comfort and coziness.

I find myself pulling out those hearty Autumn recipes and anticipating the spicy smells of fall baking and the rich tastes of favourite soups and stews.

There is just something about Fall - and even, the anticipation of it.

As fall approaches, and so quickly it seems, my tastes change again. I find I'm drawn to more texture and pattern and a richer pallet full of natural accents.

This is a home that was featured in Country Living that lends to all things Fall in my opinion. Caroline Sheeler, the head buyer for Jayson Home & Garden, has perfectly achieved this style in her gorgeous home that just reminds me of Fall.

Enjoy.

Her home is full of texture - clean lines, rough wood, blemished brass and woven carpet.

Her colour pallet is beyond my go-to whites and lend such a sense of boldness to her rooms.

The dark antiques only add to the richness of the rooms.

The additions of natural findings and worn pieces are found all around the house and give each space personality.

This is one of my favourite bathrooms. It's timeless and classic.

Crisp white bead board is a welcomed accent to the rich walls. Her displays of family photos and findings (and even ribbons!) make her house homey and full of character.

The addition of prints and exotic pieces throughout the house are so far from my own personal tastes, but work wonderfully with her decor.

These gorgeous walls are a favourite in this home. They add warmth. The white cabinet in the back is lovely too.

The dark wall colour offsets the coldness of the marble and stainless steel.

And this beautiful front porch with that gorgeous bench. Again, the contrast just makes everything come together so nicely.

Hopefully that provided a little fall inspiration.

I've been so preoccupied this past week that I'm looking forward to sitting down in the coming days and getting started on some Autumn postings. In the meantime, it's back to photographing items for the shop for me! Luckily I've got another pot of coffee on - it's a special blend of mine: Vanilla and Hazelnut beans, freshly ground, with 1/2 tsp. of Pumpkin Spice sprinkled over the grounds per pot.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Before I begin, I think it's only fair to warn that this is a long post, full of photos.

We had an amazing trip and the scenery did not disappoint! As a result, selecting only a few to highlight the entire trip, which covered a lot of the Eastern coast, was near impossible.

We took the train from Toronto to Halifax, Nova Scotia (31 long hours with a quick stop over in Montreal), and spent the first night downtown Halifax. We then headed further East, to do the Cabot Trail. On our way back down the trail, we decided to skip over to the neighboring island of PEI. From there, we headed back down to Halifax where we boarded a train the next morning back home.

So, I will give you a moment to make yourself a cup of coffee, before you sit down and browse through. I will try my best to keep the captions short.

Enjoy.

﻿

There were so many gorgeous inlets and coves, full of the most beautiful sailboats.

The white shake houses were my favourite. They were everywhere and each gorgeous in it's own way.

This one was a particular favourite. I think it was the porch overlooking the coast.

We made frequent stops to explore beaches while the tides were out.

To me, this was the epitome of Eastern homes. I loved it! It was quite perfect and quaint.

This was where the cottage above was nestled... I know, perfect!

This was from the Cabot Trail, heading down into our campground at Meat Cove, the most Northern tip of Nova Scotia.

Our lovely little cabin at dusk. It was the most amazing place we've stayed I think. It was right at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. We fell asleep to the sound of the waves and woke up to the most gorgeous sunrises, right off our little front porch.

We did some hiking in the mountains around Meat Cove (you can see out little campground tucked in the background).

We made an impromptu side trip to Prince Edward Island, and I'm so glad we did. It was an hour ferry ride from our original stop. Instead of spending the night in a city with nothing much to offer but accommodations, we got to explore the most beautiful little island, with the reddest beaches, the quaintest homes, and the cutest towns. We spent the night at an inn in the Historic part of Charlottetown. We browsed shops and toured small galleries and walked about before enjoying an amazing dinner.

Despite the rain, we still managed to get out and see everything on foot, with umbrellas in hand.

The following day brought a few stops to old fishing villages, a wharf and even Green Gables, home to the legendary Anne of Green Gables.

I couldn't get enough of the old fishing village.

Next was a local fish market, which was quiet, as all the fisherman were out for the day's catch.

We also did some antiquing along the way, however the amount of space allowed when travelling by train is very limited, and considering we already had our camping gear and luggage with us, I was only able to bring home a few small items. More to come on one in particular later though.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

It's been a long time since I've posted on any vintage finds I've re-purposed, so I thought I would share how I've been using a little collection of ironstone butter pats that I found at a show this summer.

These are petite little plates, about two inches in diameter, that were at one time used to hold a pat of butter, and was part of a place setting.

They can be found all over, and for fairly cheap, if you really keep your eye out.

First, they make perfect little soap dishes. I have one sitting on my vanity, and they are just the right size for a guest bar.

You could also use one by your kitchen sink for quick access when scrubbing up before dinner.

They make great jewellery holders, especially for small, dainty pieces, and they also keep loose change in one place.

Here, a set of three hold a few office supplies and add some charm to a work space.

They also are a tidy little saucer for used tea bags.

And, if you're feeling very creative, you could always use them as they are intended - as butter pats!

I'm hoping to be able to have my photos from our trip sorted by the end of the week. In the meantime, have a lovely rest of the week.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

We made it safely back after a fantastic trip out East, and are feeling refreshed, but happy to be back home.

I finally feel like I've got the laundry under control once again, (for now at least!), and as though my house has found some sort of order.

I spent the weekend shopping for some furnishings for Willen's bedroom, and I hope to finally be able to tackle it later this week. I was especially motivated after discovering that September's issue of Country Living was their Makeover Issue - my favourite!

I also spent this afternoon at an auction, something I've missed doing, and am happy to report that I scored a full load of treasures at amazing prices! My garage is reaching it's capacity and I think it's time I haul it out and begin sorting and planning projects for October.

[The Grower's Daughter]

I was happy to come home to my Limelight's in full bloom. Because they are so unbelievably full, I didn't mind clipping a few for our dining room table.

I also spent an unusual amount of time in our yard this past weekend. The mornings have been unusually cool and I've been making the most of them by catching up on some long overdue weeding and tidying of the gardens. I'm ashamed to say they are looking extremely overgrown and wild at the moment.

In the mean time, I've fallen so in love with these few photos of the most lovely outdoor spaces.

My husband longs for a porch. It was his only request when we searched for our first house, and sadly, the only item that didn't get checked off. This one, with it's vines creeping against white wood and gorgeous old flooring, is pretty near perfect.

I'm also very much looking forward to the day we can put up a fence that includes a pretty arbor. And, of course, cover it in Wisteria.

And this. This is everything I'm looking for. A gorgeous hammock, a knitted throw and a good book. I've recently been inspired to read through my Austen collection and I couldn't think of a more suiting place to get lost in the pages of Mansfield Park or Sense and Sensibility (both of which, I've just finished).

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

This morning, Ryan and I boarded a train to Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a week away, just the two of us.

It's about 31 hours with a quick transfer in Montreal, Quebec.

I've never travelled by rail before, but I must say, it's much more comfortable than I anticipated.

(However, not as luxurious as I had imagined. I blame that on Harry Potter.)

We will be arriving tomorrow evening in Halifax, spending the night at a beautiful old hotel downtown, and from there, camping our way around the Cabot Trail before arriving back in Halifax a week tomorrow.

Monday, August 1, 2011

I have been patiently waiting for my Hydrangeas to bloom so I can finally snip a few stems and enjoy them throughout our house. But, they seem to be taking a long time this year. I think it may have something to do with the fact that I may have pruned them a bit far back. I don't know how I got so carried away, but I did. To be honest, I was worried that I would miss out on their most beautiful blooms this year.

But, to my delight, I came home from the lake to find them all in bloom!

One of my varieties, with petite little white blooms, is in full bloom where they are in full sun. The other bushes, my Limelight Hydrangeas, are just starting to show their vibrant lime coloured flowers. I suspect that when we arrive back home next week, they will be beautifully white, especially if it continues to be as hot as it has been these past few days!

These pretty white blooms make the perfect little arrangements for bud vases.

Some of the others are still tight, ensuring I will be able to continue to enjoy them throughout the coming weeks.

The gorgeous flowers on the Limelights. Aren't they such a pretty shade of green. It's so fresh! And, as a bonus, they turn white eventually as the summer goes on, and hten a pinky cream come Autumn. White Hydrangeas are my most favourite.

Pretty little bud vases.

Until I'm able to display the Hydrangeas, our snowballs will have to do, though they are still lovely as well.

And finally, because I know you're waiting so patiently, the winner of the $100.00 gift certificate to the shop of their choice is:

Michele of {PRIMP}!

Congratulations Michele, and thank you all for the lovely comments, and especially all the great feedback on my new kitchen island. Based on what I read, it's found it's new home! I love hearing from you all so much.

Welcome

About Me

My husband and I, along with our three beautiful boys, recently purchased our dream home - a stone house built in 1835. It was originally the lock master's home and sits near the mouth of the Welland Canal, near the shores of Lake Erie.
This is a journal of us making it our home. It's also a place for me to share some of the things I love.
Enjoy.